Glossy vs matte photo magnets
Glossy pops colour and shows fingerprints. Matte hides glare and can look flatter. Craftigure prints a glossy crystal finish.
2 min read
Photo magnets are a print plus a magnet. The finish is how that print meets kitchen light.
Craftigure magnets are printed on premium photo paper with a glossy crystal finish. We do not currently offer a matte option. Choosing a finish is part of understanding the product — here is how glossy behaves on a fridge.
What glossy does well
- Colour and contrast. Skin, sky, and a red birthday sweater look more like the phone screen.
- A “photo” look. It reads as a print, not as a cardstock craft.
- Everyday kitchens. Most Craftigure magnets live on a fridge, not in a gallery with spotlights.
The tradeoff is fingerprints and glare. If the fridge faces a bright window, you will see a reflection at some angles. Wipe with a soft dry or slightly damp cloth — how to clean photo magnets.
What matte does well (in general)
Matte finishes scatter light. They hide fingerprints better and are easier to view under harsh overheads. They can look a little flatter — less “wet print,” more paper.
If you specifically need matte, we are not the shop for that SKU. We would rather say so than list a finish we do not make.
What Craftigure actually ships
How photo magnets are made: photo paper, glossy crystal finish, magnetic backing, cut to 2×3 inches in a Mississauga home studio.
The finish is part of why they look like photos on the door, not like promo squares.
Indoor use
Glossy photo magnets are for indoor fridges, lockers, and boards. They are not car magnets, outdoor signs, or dishwasher-safe. Longevity is how long photo magnets last.
Shop custom photo magnets — the shop page is the product. This page is the finish.
More in this guide
- How Photo Magnets Are MadeNot a factory line. A photo print, a glossy crystal finish, a magnet, and a 2×3 cut — handmade in Mississauga.
- How Long Do Photo Magnets Last?On an indoor fridge, a well-made photo magnet can keep its colour for years. Sun, water, and heat are what shorten that.
- How to Clean Photo MagnetsA soft dry or slightly damp cloth. No soaking, no solvents, no dishwasher. Glossy magnets show fingerprints — that is normal.